Merit vs. Diversity

A Peek Inside Oregon Department of Education’s Hiring Chronicles

The Grand Stage of DEI

After spending years in the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) committee chambers, I’ve had a front-row seat in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring theatre. It’s a spectacle that unfolds with the drama of a Shakespearean comedy, where the quest for diversity often leads us down a path more crooked than a politician’s smile. This narrative is not just mine but a shared saga of ambition and, occasionally, amusing missteps in the pursuit of inclusivity over, say, the ability to spell “inclusivity.”

The Unconventional Ensemble

In its noble quest for DEI, the ODE has turned hiring into a high-stakes “Guess Who?” game with a twist. Here, the characters come to life, each bringing their unique blend of backgrounds, experiences, and sometimes a fascinatingly tenuous grasp on the job they’re applying for. It’s a world where the spirit of diversity imbues every decision, leading to moments of pure serendipity—and, admittedly, the occasional comedy of errors.

A Reflection on Excellence and Errors

Yet, amidst the laughter and the head-scratching decisions, a question lingers like the last guest at a party: Are we genuinely fostering excellence, or are we weaving a tapestry of well-intentioned follies? It’s a question that begs for contemplation, perhaps over a cup of fair-trade, organically sourced coffee, in true ODE fashion.

In this light, Candace Owens’s commentary on DEI hiring emerges not as a critique but as a critical lens through which we might examine our biases and assumptions. Her take, as sharp as it is insightful, offers a counterpoint to the prevailing narrative, inviting us to ponder whether we’re perhaps overlooking the merits of meritocracy in our quest for diversity.

The ODE In-Depth Analysis Begins

This marks the beginning of an in-depth analysis and review of ODE leadership, embarking on a journey to truly understand the fabric of our educational leaders. We’ll dissect the degrees, credentials, and educational experience of those at the helm, juxtaposing their qualifications against their actual roles. It’s a deep dive into whether the ODE has placed the right people in charge or if the allure of DEI has skewed the scales of competence.

Coming Soon: “Las Vegas Odds on the New Superintendent of Portland Public Schools”

As we gaze toward the horizon, the next chapter in our DEI saga looms the hiring process for the new Superintendent of Portland Public Schools (PPS). With the stakes higher than ever, we’re not just watching a hiring process; we’re placing bets on a future where DEI principles could redefine leadership in education. The Vegas odds are in, and the betting pool is diverse—will the next superintendent embody the spirit of DEI, or will traditional qualifications tip the scales?

In this upcoming spectacle, humor and sophistication will guide us as we navigate the twists and turns of a hiring process that promises to be as unpredictable as it is unprecedented. Stay tuned as we track the odds, weigh the contenders, and perhaps place a friendly wager on the future of PPS. Who knows? In the world of DEI hiring, the next leader could be just a diversity statement away. Let the betting begin!